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Toledo Bend Bi-State Alliance
Minutes June 24, 2002
The meeting was called to order by Larry Kelly.
J.B. Meyers lead the group in the opening prayer.
Joe Goodson asked members and visitors in attendance to introduce themselves and to state where they are from.
Special guest, Laura Kenneson, District Coordinator for Senator Todd Staples of District 3, introduced herself and apologized for Senator Staples being unable to attend. She stated she had orders from the Senator to take very good notes so she could brief him on the meeting.
Another visitor was Mark Sloan from Radio Station KTHP at 103.9 FM.
Minutes of the May 13, 2002 meeting were approved and accepted as read.
Margene Boudreaux gave the treasurer's report for Janna Lehman. There was one check written in May. The current balance is $2,214.42.
Old Business:
DEDTA Report: No report. Committee representative was absent.
East Texas Regional Water Planning Committee report: Bill Huegel
Bill stated the major activity of the meeting was an outstanding presentation by Cindy Loeffler of TP&W. She presented a summary of results of the modeling study done for Sabine-Neches fresh water flow into Sabine Lake, and what would be required to maintain a healthy environment for sealife in that area. Bill showed charts reflecting the curve obtained with varying amounts of fresh water flowing into the lake, and the maximum flow at which fresh water can enter. The critical time is in Spring. A man from Lufkin opposed the move to prepare a resolution in support of the study as requested by the LNVA. Bill felt this was unfortunate, in light of the questions that arose at Lake Steinhagen.
New Business: Larry Kelly
Comments: Bud Collier told the group what an outstanding speech Larry Kelly made to the Toledo Bend Community Club at the June 5th meeting. Larry has offered to speak to any group interested in the efforts of Toledo Bend Bi-State Alliance, and Bud wanted the membership to know our co-chairman does a mighty fine job of speaking to groups.
Lake Level:
FERC - The Letter Writing Campaign is still important. 140 to 150 letters to FERC have been received and posted on their web-site.
Thanks to Larry Slocum, the Louisiana Lake Assoc. and others that have made sample letters available in stores and meetings.
The next goal is to go to our State and Local officials and discuss the issues. Larry mentioned to Laura that someone of our membership needs to sit down face-to-face with Senator Staples and let him know our legislative needs for next year. Two years ago, we had legislation that never got out of the Natural Resources Committee. We need very badly to get someone from Sabine County on the SRA Board of Directors. Joe Goodson and Mark Sloan of Radio Station KTRP talked about the talk shows with
Rep. Wayne Christian and the possibility of having Joe in the studio at the time of Rep. Christian's next show to ask about issues
on which we need legislative support. Mark Sloan said the SRA called the radio station to correct a comment made about taking the lake level down to 162 ft. this year, and will arrange to have a SRA Board member to be on the talk show in the near future.
Larry said the SRA never holds a lengthy meeting to discuss the specific issue of Toledo Bend lake levels, and Sen. Staples and Rep. Christian could encourage such a meeting. Joe talked about the importance of Sen. Staples knowing about the trends noted
in Toledo Bend Reservoir. Larry emphasized that what TBBSA is asking is that the SRA stop routine generation of power when the lake level drops below 168 msl, not that the lake level be stable. Larry urged members to work with all the civic associations on
both sides of the lake to get signed letters sent to FERC.
Questions were discussed regarding the plaintiffs and law-suits down below the dam, and if those folks were aware that area was a flood plain when their properties were bought. State and federal legislative support is still needed for possible solutions to those issues. Larry and Joe explained what is meant by the ruling "illegal taking of property".
Larry encouraged members to attend the upcoming meeting of the LA SRA Board of Commissioners to be held at the Welcome Center on Wednesday, June 26th at 1:00 P.M. Among several issues to be discussed will be the TECO water sales, diversion canal, and water rates. One other Agenda item of interest is the consideration to rescind the motion to direct Board Members to move to change the operation of the dam to Simulation #6. Mark Sloan asked Larry & Joe, if after attending the SRA meetings,
they could come back and explain what was said regarding issues that affect our area on the radio program.
Comments: Hats are for sale at $12 each. Motion was made, seconded and approved that a hat be given to our special guest.
Approval for Payment of Bills: No bills were submitted for payment.
The next meeting of the TBBSA will be July 22, 2002.
Meeting adjourned.
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